News

Support centre will give families a second chance

A NEW support centre is opening in Romsey for parents and children caught up in divorce and separation proceedings.

Claire Carter is behind Carole Anne House – a private contact centre for children and families – named in memory of her late mother.

Claire was only three years old when her mum died suddenly.

“There was no warning, no moment to say goodbye or I love you. This has stayed with me for life and I have strived to help children that also couldn’t be with their parents,” said the 37-year-old, who lived in Portersbridge Street as a child with her parents Carole and Richard Macklin and her sister, Lisa.

“Myself and my husband Gary became foster carers to help achieve this working with the local authority. I found myself striving further to help more children and took up a role as a contact supervisor. I have been energised by being directly working with children and their families supporting them spending time together directly. The business opens its doors on Wednesday (August 13) afternoon at 37a The Hundred.

That day would have been her mother’s 60th birthday, said Claire.

“Of course there is nothing I can do to change what happened but what I went through growing up without my mum must be put to good use, bringing children and their parents back together wherever possible. Carole Anne House is basically a go between for parents who have separated so they can see their child in a safe and secure environment,” added Claire, who now lives in Southampton, and has two daughters of her own.

Clients wll be referred to Carole Anne House by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafass) and solicitors.